The Last Lord Standing by Diana Lloyd is the story of Kerrigan Northam'Kerr' and Olivia Liberty Chalford 'Libby'. Kerr has been asked by his noble friends to make sure that no one snaps up Olivia because one of them will marry her. So, he goes forward to help them by getting close to Olivia and saving her when some mishaps happen which brings them closer. This starts their story.

This was an entertaining, well-written historical romance. It was fun, a bit steamy, and kept me reading. I enjoyed this book and will look for others by this author.

The Last Lord Standing
by Diana Lloyd
Pub Date: 15 May 2023

Diana Lloyd third installment I here delightful book series, What Happens In The Ballroom was such a charming and fun read.

We follow the youngest child of the Earl and Countess of Winchcombe, twenty-two year old, Lady Olivia Chalford. Some have nicknamed her Lady Liberty, or just Libby. Still unmarried with several unsuccessful seasons prior, she has plans for her future. Olivia wants to do more than most young ladies from notable families. She would love nothing more than invest her time and hard work in creating a charity for the poor. Convinced that having to experience what it’s like to have really work for a living she has decided to work as a shop girl in a theater district. To gain first hand knowledge of what it’s like for those not as fortunate as those that sweep the elaborate ballrooms of the ton.

Kerrigan “Kerr” Northam is the second son of a second son, currently runs a charity for widows of sailors. His situation has allowed him to extra time to think about what he wants to do with his life.

A chance meeting at ball that includes some spilled punch and a spare- -of -the-moment kiss. Libby and Kerr’s story takes off.

Diana Lloyd seamless writing provided a top notch historical romance, and had characters you are going to fall in love with.

This was such a charming historical romance that you won’t be able to put down.

Summary

Always the rogue and never the gentleman, Kerrigan Northam doesn’t worry about anything beyond his own pleasures. But lately, his noble friends have been considering marriage—specifically, the charms (and generous fortune) of the refreshingly pert Lady Olivia Liberty Chalford. Now they want Kerr to keep her from considering any other eligible suitors…by courting her himself!

Libby is averse to the very idea of marriage. Why be auctioned off when she has a far more enticing—if scandalously modern—plan for her future? So when she’s rescued by a wickedly dashing gentleman who claims to be something of a scoundrel, Libby thinks she’s found the perfect partner in crime…

It’s the perfect ruse. Libby gets a secret accomplice and Kerr’s in the uniquely coveted position of being able to kiss the comely, spirited Libby as thoroughly—and as often—as possible. But as their courting charade continues, Kerr’s gone from wondering how long until she discovers his secret…to how long until he’s madly in love with her.

#TheLastLordStanding

Wow!

Diana Lloyd has a fun and affectionate way of writing. I was instantly engrossed with this novel and finished in a mere five hours.

I found Kerr’s predicament to be hilarious when three of his friends AND his mom asked him to shadow Lady Olivia for marriage prospects for them. LOL

I love Libby’s personality and the spark of light mischief she carried throughout the story. Her independent mind was refreshing and I love how supportive her family was of her.

The magic of this story was woven with such charm that the relationship of Libby and Kerr could not have been more endearing and special. I enjoyed this novel very very much! This is now my number one favorite historical romance of 2023! This is definitely going to be one of my comfort reads when I need something merry!

Highly recommend!

Kerrigan and Olivia's romance was quite charming and a lot of fun. I thought there was a nice bit of cuteness mixed in with the drama, emotion, heat and twists that make up the entertaining and engaging story.

3.5 stars
I found this a bit hard to get into, it began to feel like an old fashioned farce at the beginning. I’m not a fan of lies either. Lady Olivia is quite naive although she did have good intentions. I wasn’t sure what to make of Kerrigan at first. He seemed to revel in being England’s greatest liar. The story perked up around 40% and I really enjoyed the remainder and Kerrigan did try to redeem his previous behaviour. I did wonder at some of the language he used when speaking to a lady, if that would have happened in that era. I received a copy and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

A bit of a light fun romance to start with that had me chuckling it did have it's serious moments with lies, misunderstandings, wrong assumptions and twists and turn's. It did take time to like both Kerr & Libby as the lies made me unsure at first but I did warm to them. An enjoyable read all in all

Fate comes in the shape of one spilled glass of punch & a promise sealed with a kiss!

Lloyd is a marvel of fast paced, sharp wit infused dialogue and engaging storyweaving who hooked me in and so effortlessly attained a new fan in the process.
From the first spill of punch, Libby and Kerr had me laughing and chuckling with their straight to the point teasing, clever playful wit and bold turn of phrase. While her delightful family, the Winchcombes, each an original in their own right, will have me hunting out the predecessors in the series if only for a glimpse of more time in their presence. Just as much as Kerr's close family, of sunshine positivity meets rainy day hypochondriac and secretive yet steadfast in familial comradery, Hill, had me enjoying every moment.
One minute I was swept up in a whirlwind of romping good humour, happenstance and coincidence and preparing myself for a rollicking good misadventure, when I was slapped with a reality, that touched me so deeply through the cloak of humour, that I had felt so safe under, and lured me into caring so deeply for their fates, thwarted by the injustice of their situations in their own personal social standings and in the society's belief he could never be good enough for her. Added a layer of heartpounding sentiment, that sealed the deal I had found an exciting new author for me as she entangled me, not just in a great, feel good, read, but one so full of romance and captivating insight to human nature, I found it hard to put down. Happily becoming lost in wishful desires, achingly raw vulnerabilities and craved dreams of hope and love, that added a greater potency to the teasing fun and going-to-bite-them-in-ass games afoot that when merged together made this one of my favorite reads this year and Lloyd, a fab new find for me! So, let the games begin... I highly recommend you do!

This book is a fun and quick read. One of the things I enjoyed the most was her honesty and her turning to her parents for help and not judgement. Also, there is even some family LGBTQ representation and acceptance, which is less common in historical romances and that I found fantastic to see and read, thank you. This book has a lot going on, there are lies, secrets, banter, wonderful secondary characters, love scenes, misassumptions, surprising twists, and finally a HEA complete with an epilogue. I enjoyed this book and am happy to recommend it to whoever likes an interesting and complex love story.

Always the rogue and never the gentleman, Kerrigan Northam doesn’t worry about anything beyond his own pleasures. But lately, his three noble friends have been considering marriage—specifically, the charms (and generous fortune) of the refreshingly pert Lady Olivia Liberty Chalford. Now each one wants Kerr to keep her from considering any other eligible suitors…by courting her himself! Libby is averse to the very idea of marriage. So when she’s rescued by a wickedly dashing gentleman who claims to be something of a scoundrel, Libby thinks she’s found the perfect partner in crime. It’s the perfect ruse. Libby gets a secret accomplice and Kerr’s in the uniquely coveted position of being able to kiss the comely, spirited.
This is the third book in the series & whilst it’s very easily read on its own some events from previous books do overlap. I really liked both Kerr & Libby & thoroughly enjoyed their journey to a HEA strewn with lies, misunderstandings, wrong assumptions & some twists. I found it to be a light enjoyable read
My review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

This was the first time for me reading this author and their writing style was definitely different than your typical romance writer. A lot of dialogue seemed to be happening with little context but once you get used to it you kind of find the groove. The story itself was unique, I love when the hero is hiding something from the heroine that makes her doubt if his feelings are real.

Kerrigan makes lying an art. Olivia is a stubborn and determined young woman. A chance meeting and laughable circumstances set them on the path to love. This is a lively romp with some great characters.

Lady Olivia Liberty “Libby” Chalford is the youngest child of the Earl and Countess of Winchcombe and the only child who is still unmarried, she is sure her parents want to marry her off, which is something to which she is adamantly opposed, she has other plans for her future, plans her parents and society at large would probably balk at, she wants to start a “modern” charity for the poor. She has given this a lot of thought and plans to put herself in the shoes of the poor to truly understand their plight and thanks to the help of her maid, she has been given the opportunity to work as a shopgirl in the theater district. She just needs to figure out how to work there without her family learning of it. The answer to that dilemma comes in the form of a handsome man spilling punch on her and then insisting they dance as if nothing happened. That dance leads to a kiss and the start of an unusual friendship.

Kerrigan “Kerr” Northam is the second son of a second son, he hasn’t decided what he wants to do with his life and currently runs a charity for widows of sailors, he also claims to be England’s greatest liar. He meets Libby when he accidentally spills punch on her at her birthday ball, an event he was not invited to. He notices her distress over a friend giving her the cut direct and insists that they dance, despite the punch staining her gown. When they part, she kisses him and he believes that they will never meet again, but fate has plans, and when three different friends approach him thinking he is acquainted with Libby. Each of them expresses interest in courting her, but for different reasons cannot court her for a few weeks and want Kerr to “watch” her and keep other potential suitors away. Kerr thinks this is hilarious and agrees because it will give him some more time with her, but his lies are piling up and when their feelings deepen, he doesn’t know how to make things right. Can he prove to her that not everything was a lie or is it too late?

This was an interesting read, I have never read this author before and her writing style took me a little time to acclimate to, but once I did, I found her approach to dialogue very refreshing. This book has a lot going on, there are lies, secrets, witty banter, wonderful secondary characters, social differences, more lies, steamyish love scenes, a guillotine that causes marriage, a couple of triggers, misassumptions, surprising twists, and finally a HEA complete with an epilogue. This is the third book in the series, but I had no problem reading this book without the benefit of reading the first two, however, now I want to read them too… I enjoyed this book and am happy to recommend it, but be warned that there are some triggers that may upset sensitive readers such as sexual assault and physical abuse - I thought the author handled them very well and with sensitivity, but they are both a bit graphic.

*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.*

Lady Olivia Liberty Chalford has caught the eye of three different suitors but they don’t have time to court her at the moment. Instead they turn to Kerrigan Northam, a friend without title, to keep watch over Liv and stop others from marrying her for her dowry. While keeping watch he manages to rescue her from a couple of situations that helps her trust in him. This book is a fun and quick (250 pages) read with mid-range heat. One of the things I enjoyed was her honesty and her turning to her parents for help and not judgement. There is even some family LGBTQ representation and acceptance, which is less common in historical romances. Thank you Entangled Publishing for the ARC via NetGalley and I am leaving a voluntary review.

Always the rogue and never the gentleman, Kerrigan Northam doesn’t worry about anything beyond his own pleasures. But lately, his noble friends have been considering marriage—specifically, the charms (and generous fortune) of the refreshingly pert Lady Olivia Liberty Chalford. Now they want Kerr to keep her from considering any other eligible suitors…by courting her himself.
Libby and Kerr were meant to be together. It takes some manipulation to make it happen.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley. This in no way affects my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.

As the daughter of an earl, the spirited Lady Olivia Liberty Chalford knows she leads a privileged life. Her parents would like to see her settled, but she wants to make a difference, do some good, before her wings are clipped.
The mysterious rogue who kissed her might prove useful in executing her daring plans. And he doesn’t disappoint, saving her life more than once. It seems she can’t stop kissing him! Charming and loyal, he’s known as London’s greatest liar… should she trust him with her heart?

As the second of a second, Kerrigen Northam is basically only there for decoration. Never considered suitable, always ready to help a friend… or a stranger. So when a lady in distress at her own birthday ball needs rescuing, he seizes the opportunity. Their parting kiss an unexpected gift. When three friends at that same ball beg him to keep an eye out for said lady, he’s delighted to oblige.
Somewhere between being her knight in shining armor, his nefarious cousin, guarding the secret of his own philanthropic project, and an impromptu trip to his country cottage he loses his heart. Are his friends truly her best option for happiness? But her father would never consider him, would he?

📚 This is an original, thrilling and captivating story! It’s witty and fast. Kerr and Libby can’t stay out of trouble, or away from each other. An untraditional romance with no third act break-up, but a major mishap culminating in the most romantic and funny declaration of love. Splendid, marvellous and just great fun!
📚 Friends to lovers, open door, steamy, he falls first, slow burn, class difference, fast paced, page turner

Thank you to Diana Lloyd, Entangled Publishing and NetGalley for this eARC. All opinions expressed are my own.

Lady Olivia Liberty Chalford is feeling unsettled. As the daughter of an earl, she enjoys a life of luxury, but she knows there are so many without enough food to eat or coal to keep warm. She wants to help those less fortunate and believes she can start a charity for that purpose, but she wants to do it all by herself. At her birthday ball, she accidentally runs into Kerrigan Northam, and that starts the beginning of their adventure together. Kerrigan has his own agenda, as he's been tasked by his three friends to keep an eye on Lady Olivia and keep all other gentlemen away from her. The problem is the more time Kerrigan spends in her company, the more he wants her for himself. Can Lady Olivia ever love a mere mister like him?

I loved Olivia (Libby). She was headstrong, independent, and driven to help those in need. She wants to prove to everyone that she's more than a pretty face, but things don't always go as planned. When she convinces Kerrigan to help her in her "research" into what the poor really need, a series of events involving Kerrigan's cousin Charlie turns their world upside down. Kerrigan is such an honorable gentleman, although when he's around Libby, he can't seem to say no or stay away from her. When things go horribly wrong at the hands of Charlie, Libby narrowly escapes the consequences, but Kerrigan is not so lucky. Libby has no choice but to confess all to her parents and seek their help. The plot moves along at a good pace, and the secondary characters help round out the story. Ms. Lloyd is masterful in teasing out Libby's ideas throughout the first couple of chapters. I really enjoyed the different settings for the story, and Libby's ideas for helping others are quite unique in how she "researches" their needs. After many twists and turns, Kerrigan and Libby finally get their HEA.

Interesting novel, already the plot had intrigued me and my expectations were not disappointed by reading.Beautiful and different love story.

Historical romance. Regency-era England. Book 3 of the What Happens in the Ballroom series. Headstrong daughter of an earl, Libby, dances with a stranger at her birthday ball. Kerr, the second son of a second son, is somehow tasked by three of his friends to keep Libby distracted from other suitors while they’re considering her as a potential bride. Kerr and Libby soon form a friendship of sorts and spend more time together. This one is another story from Lloyd that has lots going on in a short amount of time, but what stands out here is Kerr’s instant attraction to and respect for Libby, and Libby’s strength and independence. Despite all the chaos and drama surrounding them, I appreciated the connection between the two and their lively relationship.

The Last Lord Standing by Diana Lloyd is a story about a rake trying to save a lady from suitors. Kerrigan Northam always a rogue and never a gentleman who doesn't worry about anything beyond his pleasure. However, Lady Olivia Liberty Chalford has been attract the eye of his noble friends which have been considering marriage. Kerr's supposed to keep her from considering any eligible suitors by courting her himself.

Libby is not attracted to the idea of marriage since she has a plan for her future. Kerr has just been a perfect partner in crime when she was rescued by a wickedly dashing gentleman who claims to be something of a scroundel.

It is a perfect ruse so to think by Libby. A secret accomplise to Libby and Kerr's uniquely coveted position of being able to kiss the comely, spirited Libby as thoroughly as often as possible. However, as their courting charade continues, Kerr's begin to forget about how long it's take to Libby discover his secret and how long it takes to realize his feeling for Libby.

The Last Lord Standing by Diana Lloyd is a fun read. It is an amusing sweet historical romance, with a little of adventure along the story, and a little of suspense to keep the reader on their toes. I'll definitely be reading more from Diana Lloyd in the future.